WebP is a format that is becoming increasingly popular online. But what is WebP format, and can these files replace the use of JPEG and PNG files?

We’re going to explore how WebP files work, understand their benefits, and even learn how to convert WebP to JPEG for use elsewhere.

 

What is WebP Format?

WebP, developed by Google, is an innovative image format specifically designed for use on the web. It aims to replace the use of JPEG, PNG and GIF files with a more comprehensive solution. 

 

What is WebP Format Used For?

WebP uses advanced compression techniques to reduce file sizes without compromising image quality, making it an attractive option for websites aiming to strike a balance between visuals and performance. 

 

Unlike conventional formats, WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression, meaning it can be used in many ways. Lossless WebP images are 26% smaller than PNGs and WebP lossy images have a size reduction of between 25 to 34% compared to JPEG images of a similar quality.

 

One of the standout features of WebP is its ability to handle transparency, a capability lacking in formats like JPEG. This is achieved through the inclusion of an alpha channel, allowing for visually stunning images with smooth transitions and intricate details. Furthermore, WebP extends support to animated images, opening up new avenues for creative expression and dynamic content delivery on the web.

 

Is WebP Really Better Than JPEG?

WebP is certainly becoming more popular, but is it better than JPEG formats? 

 

File Size

WebP offers better compression efficiency than JPEG files. This means algorithmically, these file formats are more effective at reducing file size whilst maintaining data. 

These smaller file sizes consume less bandwidth and load faster on web pages. This is extremely important for user experience and overall website performance.

Of course, the actual size of the file can depend on the content of the image and the compression settings being used when creating and using the file.

 

Image Quality

Because WebP files are able to maintain data whilst reducing file size, they can often also maintain quality.

Of course, the compression settings allow designers and developers to decide what they’d like to prioritise. There is the potential to lose quality when choosing to compress a file unless the correct balance is achieved. When settings are perfected, most files will be comparable in quality but significantly smaller in size.

 

Performance 

Smaller files typically mean an improved performance, but there are some caveats that may impact this.

The complexity of images, network conditions and technological capabilities of a device can all impact how a site performs. For most modern systems, the use of WebP formats will offer a performance boost. The reduced size of files impacts loading times without impacting quality.

 

Browser Compatibility

JPEG enjoys broad support across virtually all web browsers and devices, making it a universally compatible image format. 

On the other hand, WebP adoption has been slower, and while most major browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge offer native support for WebP, compatibility issues may arise with older browser versions and some more niche platforms. 

Developers may need to implement fallback mechanisms or alternative image formats for some sites to ensure a consistent experience for all users.

 

Here are the platforms that offer native support for WebP (Correct as of April 2024)

 

WebP lossy support

  • Google Chrome (desktop) 17+
  • Google Chrome for Android version 25+
  • Microsoft Edge 18+
  • Firefox 65+
  • Opera 11.10+
  • Native web browser, Android 4.0+ (ICS)
  • Safari 14+ (iOS 14+, macOS Big Sur+)

 

WebP lossy, lossless & alpha support

  • Google Chrome (desktop) 23+
  • Google Chrome for Android version 25+
  • Microsoft Edge 18+
  • Firefox 65+
  • Opera 12.10+
  • Native web browser, Android 4.2+ (JB-MR1)
  • Pale Moon 26+
  • Safari 14+ (iOS 14+, macOS Big Sur+)

 

WebP Animation support

  • Google Chrome (desktop and Android) 32+
  • Microsoft Edge 18+
  • Firefox 65+
  • Opera 19+
  • Safari 14+ (iOS 14+, macOS Big Sur+)

 

Feature Support

WebP has capabilities beyond those of JPEG files, most notably transparency and animated images. These two features make the WebP format a potential replacement for not just JPEGs, but also PNG and GIF files.

 

Access to these additional features allows developers to be more creative with how they build sites that engage and excite users. 

 

The Benefits of WebP For Developers

With these differences in mind, how do developers benefit from the use of WebP formats?

 

Bandwidth Savings

With the proliferation of mobile devices and varying network conditions, optimising bandwidth usage has become incredibly important for website operators. 

 

With file compression, websites can minimise data transfer requirements, leading to reduced bandwidth consumption for both users and website owners. This not only improves page load speeds but also contributes to cost savings, particularly for websites with high traffic volumes or limited bandwidth allocations.

 

Improved User Experience

With so many browsing and sales options readily available in digital spaces, user experience is perhaps more important than ever. Developers need to ensure that users have positive experiences and don’t leave a site immediately.

 

WebP enables developers to deliver high-quality images with minimal impact on performance, ensuring that users can enjoy rich visual content without sacrificing speed or responsiveness. 

 

SEO Benefits

Page speed is a crucial factor in search engine optimization (SEO), with search engines like Google placing increasing emphasis on website performance when ranking search results. 

 

By using WebP for website imagery, it’s possible to speed up loading times and therefore boost a site's visibility and rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs). 

 

Additionally, faster-loading pages are more likely to be crawled and indexed efficiently by search engine bots, further enhancing a website's SEO performance.

 

Versatility and Flexibility

WebP's support for both lossy and lossless compression provides developers with greater flexibility in managing both image quality and file size. 

 

Whether prioritising file size optimisation for faster loading times or preserving image fidelity for high-resolution displays, WebP offers a range of compression options to suit diverse use cases.

 

How to save WebP files as JPEG?

Users can easily convert WebP images to JPEGs for use in places that don’t offer support for the format.

 

Tools like webp2jpg allow users to easily convert WebP files to JPEGs by simply dragging and converting them. This free conversion tool will also convert WebP files to PNG, GIF, PDF, and even PSD and AI files.